The effects of low pH, AI, organic and phenolic acids on the growth of naturally occurring plant species were determined. The amelioration of Al toxicity by Si and organic acids was also investigated. Plants were grown from seeds in nutrient solutions simulating the ionic composition of soil solutions from five soil types ranging from acidic peat to calcareous soil. Soil solutions were extracted and analysed using centrifugation, with and without an immiscible displacent (1,1, I-trichloroethane), at both low (4000 rpm) and high speed (12000 rpm). Races of Holcus lanatus L. and Betula pendula Roth. from acidic soils (FM and SMM) grew better in low pH solutions (pH< 4.0). In acid-sensitive races Ca absorption was inhibited at low pH. Races of B.pendula from strongly to moderately acidic soils (FM, SMM, KP) were AI-tolerant and effectively excluded Al from shoots. Root elongation and leaf expansion were inhibited by all Al concentrations in races from calcareous soils (KR). Low concentrations of Al stimulated growth in some races of B.pendula (2 and 5 mg Al lˉ¹) and Anthoxanthum odoratum L. (1.3 and 2.7 mg Al lˉ¹). Al (25 and 35 mg lˉ¹) inhibited root and shoot growth in H.lanatus. Si (1500 and 2500 µM Si(OH)₄) addition to nutrient solutions alleviated AI-damage and restored nutrient uptake to values similar to those in plants grown with neither Al or Si. The ameliorative effects of Si were possibly achieved through AI/Si co-deposition in the root cell walls and maintenance of Golgi activity. Si at 1500 µM was beneficial but inhibited growth at 2500 µM. Al and hydroxyaluminosilicates at pH 5.6 were not toxic. Formic and tartaric acid ameliorated Al toxicity by reducing its availability. These organic acids on their own stimulated growth in H.lanatus and Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin. Phenolic acids stimulated growth of H.lanatus in acidic solutions (pH 4.0) but not near-neutral solutions, particularly in races from soils high in phenolics. Addition of plant residue to acidic peats increased the growth of races from calcareous and acidic mineral soils.

No description available.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of four salt concentrations and four acid levels of soil solution on the germination of Quercus emoryi and Robinia neo-mexicana seeds, and to study the effects of the cation concentration changes in solution (Na, Ca, Mg, K) and exchangeable cation concentration. The solution extracts and exchange phases of both soils, salt accumulation in the soil increased by increasing the salinity and acidity of the water applied. Exchangeable sodium was related directly to the SAR of the applied solutions. The soil responded differently to the salty water and acid water. Both soil treatments released Ca, Mg and K to the soil solution from the dissolution of the primary minerals and cation exchange reaction.

Soil acidity is a major land degradation problem that limits crop production globally. The high cost of traditional liming materials (calcitic limestone, dolomite etc.) and the vast areas of land that require liming have led to the exploratory utilisation of alkaline industrial by- products such as fly ash and stainless steel slag. The liming potential and effects of liming with fly ash (from the Duvha power station) and processed stainless steel slag (Calmasil) on two acid soils were investigated in this study. The quality of fly ash and Calmasil as liming materials and their potential impacts on the soil quality and plant growth were investigated. The effects of liming with these materials on soil pH, EC, extractable Al, Mn, base cations and trace elements were investigated in an incubation experiment. A glasshouse trial was conducted to assess the effects of these materials on the growth of an acid intolerant crop, perennial rye grass. The incubation and glasshouse study were of a factorial design with two acid soils (the Avalon and Inanda soils), three materials (fly ash, Calmasil and lime); and five application rates of 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400% of the recommended optimum liming rate (OLR) for the growth of perennial rye grass. Characterization of fly ash showed that the major elements (>5%) present (Si > Al > Fe) are not comparable to lime (Ca > Si > Mg) and that it has a low liming potential (calcium carbonate equivalence (CCE) of 9.6%) in comparison to lime. The chemical composition of Calmasil is comparable to lime with Ca > Si > Mg as the major elements and it has a very high liming potential (CCE = 97%). The incubation experiment showed that adding fly ash and Calmasil increased the pH of both soils. However, at the optimum liming rate (100% OLR), only the treatment with Calmasil in the Avalon soil attained pH levels within the desired pH range. Extractable Al and Mn decreased with addition of fly ash and Calmasil to levels comparable to lime in the incubated soils. Addition of fly ash and Calmasil also increased the extractable base cations of both soils. The yield-response of perennial rye grass to treatments in both soils was in the following order: fly ash > Calmasil > lime. Application of fly ash at > 200% OLR in the Avalon soil caused injury of ryegrass. Application of fly ash and Calmasil at lower rates has great agronomic potential in ameliorating soil acidity. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.